Overview There are many key differences between Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma see individual topics Hodgkin lymphoma non-Hodgkin lymphoma Characteristics Hodgkin Non-Hodgkin Cells involved Reed-Sternberg Cells B or T cells Mass composition Localized, single group of nodes Extranodal spread is rare Peripheral, multiple nodes Often extranodal Pattern of spread Contiguous spread Non-contiguous spread Symptoms Commonly with B symptoms, low-grade fever, night sweats, weight loss Fewer constitutional symptoms Leukemic phase No Yes Associations Associated with EBV (50%) Seen more often with HIV/immunosuppression Epidemiology - age distribution Bimodal distribution (young adults and 50s-60s) Peak incidence 20-40 years Epidemiology - sex preference More common in men No difference